Intestinal parasites in canine feces contaminating urban and recreational areas in Ushuaia (Argentina)

COCIANCIC, PAOLA; DEFERRARI, GUILLERMO; ZONTA, MARÍA LORENA; NAVONE, GRACIELA TERESA

Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Report

Elsevier BV

Año: 2020 vol. 21

2405-9390

Wild and domestic dogs are important reservoir hosts of numerous intestinal parasites that represent potentialinfection sources for both humans and wild or other domestic animals. The aim of this study was to determinethe presence, diversity, and contamination potential of intestinal parasites in dog feces contaminating urban andrecreational areas in Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego province, Argentina).A total of 80 canine fecal samples were collected from urban (playgrounds, streets, sidewalks, squares andcoastal walks) and recreational areas (winter centers for raising and training sled dogs) in 2018. Samples werepreserved in 5% formalin and processed using formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and FLOTAC dual Pellettechniques. Data were analyzed using the R software.At least one parasite species was recovered in 32.5% of the total samples examined. Of the seven parasitespecies detected, infection by protozoan species was higher than helminth infections (28.8% versus 8.8%).Sarcocystis sp. (20.0%), Giardia sp. (8.8%) and Cystoisospora spp. (7.5%) were the most frequent species, followedby Toxocara canis (5.0%), Echinococcus spp./Taenia spp. (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis and Uncinaria sp. (1.3% forboth). Single infections (69.2%) were more frequent than coinfections with two (19.2%) and three parasitespecies (11.5%).This study provides the first description of the diversity and frequency of intestinal parasite species in dogfeces from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The unfavorable environment of Ushuaia, characterizedby low temperatures and winter snowfall, is likely to reduce parasite survivability, decreasing contaminationpotential. Some parasite species found are potentially zoonotic and represent an important risk for the humanpopulation and a source of infection to free-roaming pets. The results of this study revealed the need tostrengthen the prevention, surveillance and control of these infections in pets, as well as to implement programsfor public health education, control measures for the free-roaming canine population, and responsible petownership in the study area.